Today marks the first day of the commencement of Tasmania’s new Education Act, an entirely new legislative framework for education in Tasmania the first in 20 years, Minister for Education and Training Jeremy Rockliff said.

“Education Act introduces stronger practices for managing student attendance and behaviour and more flexible school enrolment options for home educated students and students with disability.” Mr. Rockliff said.

Key elements of the new Act include provision of 13 years of compulsory education and training, raising the education and training requirements so that, from 2020, students must participate in education and training until they complete Year 12, attain a Certificate III, or they turn 18 years of age (whichever occurs first), the introduction of compulsory conciliation conferences to better manage student attendance and strengthening home education.

Education Act also allows for voluntary 6 months earlier access to Prep and Kindergarten, subject to Parliament’s approval later this year.

Hodgman Government is Building Tasmania’s Future through education. We are making significant, positive changes to our education system which will improve educational outcomes and set all Tasmanian students up for the brightest future possible.

“Since coming to government we have extended 30 schools to year 12, introduces significant additional literacy and numeracy support and increased professional support staff in our schools by more than 60 FTE in school psychologists, social workers, speech pathologists and school health nurses.” Mr. Rockliff said.

In the 2017-18 Budget, the Tasmanian Government committed funding of up to $56.9 Million over 4 years to implement the provisions of the new Act, following more than two years of extensive consultation with education stakeholders and more than 1,000 responses from 3 rounds of consultation.

“Education Act provides every child and young person in Tasmania with the opportunity to continue to learn and reach their full potential, so they can live fulfilling lives and contribute positively to our community.” Mr. Rockliff said.